At the Healthy Materials Lab, we see material health as a spectrum that reflects the complex realities of material ecosystems and supply chains. Our first question about any material is always: “What is it made of?”

Transparency is essential. Ingredient disclosure allows for rigorous evaluation against authoritative hazard lists and Red List chemicals. We take a holistic view of the impacts materials can have through sourcing, processing, use, disposal or reuse, and everyone affected along the way.  These products may also demonstrate improved environmental performance, such as reduced embodied carbon, cleaner supply chains, or better indoor air quality.

In some product categories, harmful ingredients cannot yet be fully replaced, so “healthier” products may simply be the best available option. To qualify as healthier, a product must disclose at least 75% of its ingredients by weight and be screened for hazardous substances.

To help designers navigate these complex considerations, the Donghia healthier Materials Library collaborated with BrightWorks Sustainability to create the Material Health evaluation lens. This tool organizes hundreds of assessment factors into several main impact categories, providing a practical framework for understanding the broader impacts of material choices and supporting better decision-making.